Conventional wisdom says most Louisiana voters don't begin paying attention to fall elections until after Labor Day, but political insiders keep a sharp eye on fundraising leading up to qualifying, and so far Republican Congressman Charles Boustany leads the pack.

Boustany, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, raised $1.1 million, all through supporters' contributions, during the second quarter and has piled up $2.5 million in cash on hand, according to reports on the Federal Elections Commission website.

The deadline for all candidates to file second-quarter reports is midnight Friday.

Qualifying for the Senate election and congressional seats is Wednesday through Friday in Baton Rouge. Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter isn't seeking re-election.

Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy followed Boustany in second-quarter fundraising with $948,000, all through contributions, and has $1.4 million in the bank.

A third Republican, 4th District U.S. Rep. John Fleming, raised less than his two leading Republican rivals at $559,000, but has $2.4 million in the bank, only slightly less than Boustany. Fleming lent his campaign $20,000 as part of his second quarter total.

The two leading Democrats — New Orleans attorney Caroline Fayard and Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell — each raised more than $700,000 in the quarter, but bolstered their totals with large personal loans.

Fayard raised $774,000 with $500,000 of that through a personal loan. She has $634,000 cash on hand.

Campbell raised $749,000 in the quarter, including a $250,000 personal loan, and has $868,000 in the bank.

Retired Col. Rob Maness, a Republican, raised $165,000 during the second quarter and has $207,000 cash on hand.

Democrat Josh Pellerin, an oil and gas company president from Acadiana, reported raising $113,000 during the second quarter, including a $59,000 personal loan. He has $2,300 in the bank.

No other candidate reported raising more than $10,000 or having any cash on hand.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1